ABB has been selected to provide the power distribution system for two hydrogen-fueled container ships operated by the Samskip Group. These vessels, constructed by India’s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, signify a significant stride towards greener and more sustainable shipping practices.
The adoption of hydrogen as a primary fuel for these container ships marks a pivotal moment in the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Hydrogen fuel cells, the technology at the core of these vessels, generate electricity through an electrochemical process that utilizes hydrogen as its fuel source. When this hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, the entire energy chain remains clean and emissions-free.
The global push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has placed immense pressure on industries, including maritime transport, to find cleaner and more sustainable solutions. Hydrogen-powered ships offer a promising alternative to traditional diesel-powered vessels. Not only do they produce zero harmful emissions, but they also promise quieter operations, reduced maintenance costs, and potentially greater energy efficiency.
ABB’s involvement in providing the power distribution system for these hydrogen vessels underscores the company’s commitment to pioneering sustainable technologies. The package for these ships includes the ABB Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system, designed to optimize onboard energy use. Additionally, ABB’s energy storage solution control and the ABB Ability™ System 800xA automation technology will be integrated into these vessels.
One of the key advantages of ABB’s technology is its remote diagnostic systems, which provide round-the-clock support, enhancing the safety and performance of the ships.
The Samskip Group’s sustainability goals are at the forefront of this initiative. They estimate that each of these hydrogen-fueled ships could prevent approximately 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually compared to traditional vessels. With delivery scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2025, these 135-meter vessels will operate between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, covering roughly 700 nautical miles.
Each ship will be equipped with a 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell, complemented by diesel generators for backup. The performance expectations for these vessels are set to match those of Samskip’s traditional ships, ensuring reliability and efficiency in their operations.
The partnership between ABB, Samskip Group, and Cochin Shipyard Ltd is not only a testament to their commitment to sustainability but also to their role in driving eco-friendly energy practices in the maritime industry. Financial support from the Norwegian state enterprise ENOVA further solidifies the project’s importance in advancing green shipping technology and energy practices.
In essence, ABB’s involvement in providing the power distribution system for these hydrogen-fueled container ships signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for maritime transport, aligning perfectly with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce emissions in the shipping industry.
